Today we’re profiling Eric Anderson, who is the current Mobile, Remote, and Wireless Peer Group Vice President, the incoming Board of Directors Conference Liaison and the Director of Technical Services for Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP. When Eric admitted to me that he was struggling with the “what makes you a leader?” question below, I found it easy to answer. What makes him a good leader is his ability to balance. He knows when to have fun and when to be serious, when to be strategic and when to be tactical, and how to bring people along with him as he progresses towards his goals. ILTA will be fortunate indeed to have Eric as ILTA ’10 & ’11 Conference Liaison on the Board.
What excites you the most about ILTA ’09?
A chance to network with my peers and the many educational opportunities. A chance to talk with others about the many challenges the industry is facing today.
Describe a highlight of one ILTA conference that made you a hero when you got back to your firm.
In 2003, I coordinated a session on Business Continuity planning in my Track. The session focused on what a very small number of firms were doing at that time with centralizing their data and deploying thin client as the normal method of application delivery in the office. While almost 6 years ago, this session helped build a foundation for discussion on the technology and strategy that is deployed today.
Conference is a whirlwind of activity; can you share your strategy or any tips to making it through and getting the most out of it?
- Plan ahead. Review the sessions prior to arrival and build your schedule. Learn where the session rooms are located. Don’t hesitate on changing your schedule as the week progresses.
- In addition to the sessions, take every opportunity to network with others; meet at least 10 new people, more is even better. These networking opportunities will prove as valuable, if not more valuable, than the sessions themselves.
- You should strongly consider getting involved in one way or another. While at conference, seek out others who are volunteering (i.e., City Rep, Steering Committee, PGVP, RVP, Board) and talk to them about the many different ways to get involved.
What volunteer roles have you held for ILTA?
Volunteer City Rep, Conference Track Chair, Conference VP/Co Chair, PGVP for Mobile, Remote & Wireless and Board of Director following conference.
What prompted you to get involved as a volunteer leader with ILTA? What led you in the direction of the Board of Directors?
After attending my first conference, I experienced the tremendous benefits that ILTA offered to its members. The annual conference not only provided numerous educational opportunities but also many networking opportunities. After experiencing the benefits of conference, I started to get more involved with monthly programming, and the eGroups (formerly ListServs). I found that I was receiving a great value in the organization and in turn I wanted to get involved and give back to the organization that provided so much for me and others. After many years of volunteering, I wanted to continue but at a level that provided even more ways for me to give back.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is the act of empowering and inspiring others to achieve an objective, goal or purpose. A good leader has to believe in others and have integrity, energy, enthusiasm, innovation, insight, knowledge, competence and adaptability.
What makes you a leader?
The ability to lead by example and strive for success. To adapt to the style that is needed for the particular area/project/team.
How has ILTA helped you become the leader you are today?
ILTA has so many leaders who are members in the organization. Each interaction with this vast group provides yet another opportunity to learn.
What’s your Twitter handle?
I don’t Tweet, but I do subscribe. There are two areas on Twitter that I watch – ILTA09 and METRAUPW (which provides up to the minute announcements for my train schedule).
Filed under: Profiles in Leadership
